Lancaster ISD Wins Statewide Honors for Communications Excellence

February 26, 2026, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX-- The Lancaster ISD Communications Department received honors from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) for outstanding work in education communications. The awards were announced at TSPRA’s annual Star Awards celebration on February 18, 2026, at the Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas during the association’s 64th annual conference.

Lancaster ISD’s Communications Department received 20 Star Awards during the annual state conference, including two Crystal Certificates of Merits, and three Best of Category honors. Additionally, the team was recognized as finalists for the prestigious Platinum Award which honors a year-long project that exhibits the highest standards of excellence according to research, analysis, communication and evaluation.

“Every year, our district establishes clear priorities, and our communications team is intentional about supporting those goals by highlighting the success of our students and staff,” said Lancaster ISD Chief of Communications Kimberly Simpson. “Being recognized by TSPRA and counted among the top communications teams in Texas is both humbling and rewarding.”

“Our team shows up every day ready to tell the Lancaster ISD story,” Simpson added. “Their creativity, consistency, and heart truly make a difference. This honor from TSPRA speaks to their dedication, and I’m incredibly proud of the work they do for our district.”

This year, a record-setting 1,937 entries were received. For the first 47 categories, the entries are divided into three divisions based on the number of students the district, foundation or organization serves - under 15,000 students; 15,000 to 40,000 students; and over 40,000 students. Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Stars are awarded based on set criteria. Finally, the judges review their highest-scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for each division in each of the 47 categories. Crystal and Platinum entries are not split into divisions and there is only one Crystal winner in each of the nine categories. Judges are permitted to award Certificates of Merit to other Crystal entries that deserve recognition, although they did not receive the main award.